TO: ALL MEDIA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:  16 FEBRUARY 2021

Media Arrangements for Gauteng SOPA

On Tuesday 23 February 2021, Honourable Speaker Ntombi Mekgwe, will preside over this year’s official Opening of the Legislature where Premier David Makhura will deliver Gauteng’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) – highlighting the Provincial Government’s service delivery action plan for the year ahead.

The event will be conducted as a hybrid Sitting in adherence to current lockdown regulations to minimize the spread of Covid-19.  This will mean that a limited number of 40 Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) will be physically accommodated at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s (GPL) Chambers, the remainder of MPLs will participate through a virtual platform.

Due to the stringent Covid-19 regulations, this year’s event will have limited activities and provision for the members of the media will be made up to a maximum of 10 members of TV broadcast media only at the GPL Auditorium where video and audio feed will be provided.  All other members of the media will be provided with a link which will provide a clear video and audio feed, or they can view proceedings of the Sitting through the GPL’s social media platforms. In addition to the 10 seats reserved in the GPL Auditorium for the media, space has been reserved within the GPL precinct (outside the main building) for members of the media with OB vans, but NO access will be granted inside the main building.

Please note that the Gauteng Legislature will host a virtual media engagement session on Thursday 18 February 2021 at 6pm (more details to follow) to give more details to the members of the media on the state of readiness for SOPA21. 

ISSUED BY THE GPLS COMMUNICATIONS UNIT ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY TO THE LEGISLATURE, MR PETER SKOSANA

For more information or interview queries, please contact: Mr Thebe Khumalo on 072 266 1021 email: TKhumalo@gpl.gov.za OR Ms Thabisile Nzuke on 082 619 4411 email: TNzuke@gpl.gov.za

GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE